Patterns in Primary Health Care Utilization Among Individuals With Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities in Florida

Individuals living with intellectual and developmental disabilities face complex medical problems. Primary care physicians tend to provide basic medical care, serving as a base through which other forms of care can be accessed. In this study we describe patterns of primary care utilization among adults enrolled on the Florida Medicaid's Home and Community-Based Services Waiver. About 40% of the adults on the Waiver did not see a primary care provider between 1999 and 2003. Primary health care utilization was higher in the northern parts of Florida and conversely lower in the southeast. The establishment of a medical home can ensure the timely receipt of preventive care as well as help coordinate the complex care that many individuals with disabilities need.